Punjab News, NRI News

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My attention has been drawn to a news item published in the Times of India dated 06/01/2010. (copy of news item enclosed for your Goodself’s ready reference).

In the said news item it is stated that the Commerce Ministry has recommended to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Finance Ministry that the Special Industrial Package for Himachal Pradesh which entails fiscal benefits for setting up units in the state, should be continued till 2013.

As your Goodself is aware that Himachal Pradesh, Uttarachal, Jammu & Kashmir were given a Special Status in 2003 under which Industries in the state get Income Tax holiday, Central Excise exemptions and Transport subsidy etc. The said Special Status is ostensibly set to expire on 31st March, 2010.

While I have nothing against extending any concessions or exemptions to any particular State however, may I respectfully submit that may be the time has come to look at developmental paradigms from a Regional rather than a mere State perspective. It would also initiate the process of resolving a large number of contentious intra-State issues if we start taking a macro Regional view of economic and social issues.

Coming back to the problem at hand, the victim of these concessions to Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarachal and Himachal Pradesh has been Punjab, especially Ludhiana, which has seen a “flight of Capital” over the past 07 years ever since the Scheme announced. No new industry worth the name has come up in Punjab as it is far more attractive to go to the neighbouring States which enjoy all these above mentioned benefits.

All the Major Industrial Houses in Punjab have chosen to expand and diversify outside Punjab especially in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarachal as with the concessions in place in these states it makes profound economic sense to do so. However you would appreciate that Punjab has also gone through a very turbulent period from 1980 to 1985 which set the State back on various accounts. If Punjab has survived it is because of the resilience of the Punjabi spirit.

May I kindly request you that the concessions which have been extended to these States should also be extended to Punjab and if Haryana desires to Haryana also so that the entire Northern Region can develop in a holistic manner. This would ensure that the development in one State is not of the cost of the other because of a skewed concessions regime. Industry should have the option of shopping for the best investment destination on a level playing field at least available in terms of Union Government Policy.

This issue has been a sore point with the Punjab Industry for a long time and was flagged for your Goodself kind attention both in 2004 and 2009 when you had come to Ludhiana for the Parliamentary Election campaign.

Tewari urges PM to extend concessions to Punjab also

CHANDIGARH, January 6: Seeking a regional rather than state specific approach to development, Ludhiana MP Manish Tewari today urged the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to extend the special industrial package granted to three hill states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, to Punjab also.

In separate letters addressed to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, Tewari said, he had learnt that the Union Commerce Ministry had recommended the extension of concessions for Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand. He maintained, while he had nothing against concession to any state, but at the same time he suggested that these should be extended to Punjab, and if Haryana wants to that state, also.

He asserted, “while I have nothing against extending any concessions or exemptions to any particular State however…the time has come to look at developmental paradigms from a regional rather than a mere state perspective. It would also initiate the process of resolving a large number of contentious intra-State issues if we start taking a macro regional view of economic and social issues”.

He argued, Punjab had suffered the severe losses in terms of investments due to the concessions to these three states. He pointed out, “Punjab, especially Ludhiana, which has seen a flight of Capital over the past 7 years ever since the scheme was announced. No new industry worth the name has come up in Punjab as it is far more attractive to go to the neighbouring States which enjoy all these benefits”.

Tewari disclosed that all the major industrial houses in Punjab have chosen to expand and diversify outside Punjab especially in Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand as with the concessions in place in these states it makes profound economic sense to do so. “However you would appreciate that Punjab has also gone through a very turbulent period from 1980 to 1995 which set the state back on various accounts. If Punjab has survived it is because of the resilience of the Punjabi spirit”, he said.

Making a strong case for concessions to Punjab, he asserted, “the concessions which have been extended to these States should also be extended to Punjab and if Haryana desires to Haryana also so that the entire Northern Region can develop in a holistic manner”. He said, this would ensure that the development in one State is not at the cost of the other because of a skewed concessions regime. “Industry should have the option of shopping for the best investment destination on a level playing field at least available in terms of Union Government Policy”, he observed.

The Ludhiana MP reminded the Prime Minister that, “the issue has been a sore point with the Punjab industry for a long time and was flagged for your kind attention both in 2004 and 2009 when you had come to Ludhiana for the Parliamentary Election campaign”.

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Chandigarh January 6: State Vigilance Bureau, in a drive against corruption in public life, arrested two Gazzetted Officers (GOs) and ten Non-Gazzetted Officers (NGOs) in eight different cases in last month and was able to secure the conviction of nine accused in thirteen different vigilance cases.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Rajinder Singh, SP-cum-Joint Director (Admn.) Vigilance Bureau Punjab, said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance officers have ensured that suspect did not escape judicial punishment in the various courts in the State.

He added that during the last month of December, the Vigilance had nabbed twelve corrupt public servants red handedly accepting bribes in eight different cases which includes two Gazzetted Officers namely Ramesh Kumar, Principal Govt Art & Craft Teachers Training Institute Amritsar and Ashok Nayyar Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital Jalandhar. The VB had also registered four criminal cases and a disproportionate assets case against the suspect officials to probe into the allegations, he said.

Giving further details Joint Director added that the special courts have sentenced nine accused including six NGOs and three private persons after finding them guilty for one year to three years imprisonment with fines in nine different vigilance cases.

17 RoBs in Punjab to be completed by March 2010- Chairman Railway Board assures Punjab Deputy Chief Minister

Chandigarh, January 5: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today called on Mr S.S.Khurana, Chairman, Railway Board seeking expeditious completion of 37 Railway Over Bridges (RoBs) and Railway Under Bridges (RUBs) in the State.

Mr Badal emphasized that 28 such projects were sanctioned during previous years whereas nine such projects were sanctioned this year only. He said that Punjab government has undertaken massive road expansion programme in the state and incomplete RoBs were hampering the work on these prestigious road projects.

Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded a super fast Bathinda-Delhi via Jakhal Shatabadi train to help growing economy of Malwa region. He said that with upcoming Bathinda Refinery and Talwandi Sabo Thermal Plant, the region needs better rail connectivity.

The Chairman assured the Deputy Chief Minister that Railway was proposing Sri Ganganagar-Bathinda- Jakhal-Delhi Shatabadi in the ensuing Railway Budget.

Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr Hira Singh Gabria, Tourism Minister, Mrs Geetika Kalha, Principal Secretary Tourism, Ms Soumya Raghvan, Financial Commissioner, Mr Vivek Sahay, Member Traffic, Mr S. K. Malik , Additional Member Civil Engineering, Mr Dharm Singh, CAO/MR, Mr A.K.Gupta, PCE/MR, Mr Sunil Malhotra,ED/T&C and Mr Naresh Salecha, ED/FC.

Sukhbir lambastes Union government for inapt handling of racial attacks in Australia

Chandigarh, January 5: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today strongly criticized the Union government for inapt and callous handling of serious issue of racial attacks on students of Indian origin mostly from Punjab in Australia.

Talking to media informally after calling on Chairman Railway Board demanding early completion of RoBs in the state at New Delhi, Mr Badal regretted that India has failed to give strong message to the Australian government despite increasing racial attacks on Indian students since more than one year now. He said that India as a sovereign country should either give strong message, using all diplomatic means or issue advisory to the Indian citizens cautioning them not to visit Australia. He said that Union government must send a high level delegation to Australia to convey our serious concern on these attacks.

He said that Punjab has a reason to worry on increasing attacks as most of the victims belonged to Punjab. He said that he along with Chief Minister had already met Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Australian High Commissioner in Delhi expressing our concern over these deliberate targeted attacks. Mr. Badal said that Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament forcefully raised this issue in Lok Sabha, conveying the anguish of people on increasing number of attacks on Indians. He regretted that the Union government failed to rise to the occasion and convey our serious concern to the Australian Authorities. He said that if these attacks would had happened on British or USA students, those governments would have sent a high level diplomatic delegation to Australia to pressurize that government to immediately put an end to these attacks.

BADAL SEEKS PM’S INTERVENTION TO ENSURE SECRUITY AND SAFETY OF PUNJABI YOUTH IN AUSTRALIA

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the immediate intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh over the incident of killing of Punjabi Youth who was stabbed in Melbourne’s on Saturday.

In a statement, Mr. Badal urged the Prime Minister to ensure the safety and security of the Punjabi youth in Australia who had gone there to pursue higher education and other vocations.

It may be recalled that 21 year old Nitin Garg, who migrated from Punjab had permanent residency in Australia was stabbed on death in Melbourne’s northern suburb of West Footscray on January 2.

The Chief Minister impressed upon Dr. Manmohan Singh to advise the Ministry of External Affairs for taking up the matter with the Australian government to curb such incidents of brutal violence effectively as it was a constitutional and diplomatic obligation of every nation and government to ensure safety and security of foreign guests on its land as vengeance and hatred had no place in the society.

New Delhi January 4 – The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and President of Hockey Punjab ,Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, today called on the Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Manohar Singh Gill and asked him to use his good offices in removing the hurdles being created in the way of Hockey Punjab’s affiliation with the national body.

Accompanied by Director, Sports hockey Olympian, Padam Shri Pargat Singh, Mr. Badal apprised the Union Minister of “calculated attempts by vested interests in Hockey India” to ignore the claims of the duly formed body, Hockey Punjab. He said that this was a deliberate attempt to weaken the Nation’s hockey nursery, Punjab

Mr. Badal later told newspersons that he had sought the intervention of Dr. Gill in getting affiliation to hockey power house, Punjab as well as for Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Dr. Gill assured Mr. Badal of “necessary action” to ensure free and fair election of the Hockey India.

Mr. Badal described the ways of Hockey India, the national body governing the sport, as highly discriminatory and illogical, especially towards a state a which is not only the birth place of hockey but also has the proud distinction of giving over a dozen India captains and a vast galaxy of international starts like penalty-king Prithipal Singh, Balbir Singh (Junior and Senior), Ajit Pal Singh, Surjit Singh, Pargat Singh, Surinder Singh Sodhi ( India’s last Olympic Gold Medal-winning Captain, Mukhbain Singh, Harcharan Singh, Gagan Ajit Singh, Jugraj Singh and dozens of others,” said Mr. Badal and Mr. Dhindsa, adding that in the recently concluded Junior Asia Cup, nine Punjab players donned the India colours while six Punjab players are in the senior hockey squad.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab has been promoting hockey in a big way. The national camp for the 1975 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, was conducted by Punjab government. The tea went on to win the Cup, India’s only title triumph in the event. Besides, Punjab has been requesting the Indian Hockey Federation from time to time to assign it the responsibility of training the Indian team for the World Cup, the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.

Mr. Pagrat Singh, Director Sports Punjab and Mrs. Nidhi Khullar Secretary Sports, Govt. of India was also were present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 4 – The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described as “cordial and constructive” his discussions with the BJP leaders both at the national and the state levels. He said that the reports which spoke about differences among alliance partners were merely “speculative and without substance.”

“We are greatly appreciative of each other’s concerns and have always addressed these concerns constructively. “I have repeatedly said that the SAD-BJP alliance represents the social harmony of Punjab. It is much more than a political arrangement. We are together because we symbolize Punjabi unity. That is why this alliance has been here for nearly five decades now and has survived the greatest challenges and lived through the most difficult periods of post-Independence history,” said the Chief Minister.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the Punjabis on the birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji- the tenth Guru of the Sikhs and exhorted them to follow the noble teachings and precious legacy of great spiritual ambassador.

In a message on the eve of auspicious birthday of the great Guru, Mr. Badal said that Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji preached and practiced the gospels of love, oneness of mankind and universal brotherhood throughout his life. Mr. Badal said that the creation of Khalsa by great Guru in 1699 had a universal significance by which he raised a unifying vanguard force in the world ever ready to make supreme sacrifices for achieving the goals of justice, equality, social good and protection of fundamental rights of humanity.

Mr. Badal appealed the people to unitedly strive hard for carving out an ideal healthy and harmonious society by following the precious legacy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji and celebrate this sacred occasion rising above the petty considerations of caste, creed and religion.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today released the diary and calendar of the Punjab Government for the year 2010 at Punjab Bhawan this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the layout design of the calendar and diary had been prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department and printed by the Controller Printing & Stationery Punjab. The calendar carried a photograph of the prestigious Khalsa Heritage Centre, Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also released diary and calendar of Markfed for 2010.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Tourism & Cultural Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Information & Public Relations Mr. DS Guru, Additional Secretary to Chief Minister and Director Information & Public Relations Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Chairman Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid and MD Markfed Mr. Saravjit Singh.

SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 4: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted all the Punjabis living in India and abroad on the eve of birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji- the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.

In a message, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that by creating Khalsa Panth in 1699, the great Guru gave the Sikhs, a separate identity. Guru Gobind Singh Ji infused the spirit of both sainthood and soldier in the minds and hearts of his followers to fight oppression in order to restore justice, peace, righteousness (Dharma) and to uplift the down-trodden people in this world, he added.

Mr Sukhbir singh Badal exhorted the people to follow the teachings of compassion, oneness of mankind and universal brotherhood as preached and practiced by the Great Guru.

He appealed the people to celebrate this sacred occasion unitedly besides renewing their resolve to carve a casteless and harmonious society as preached by Guru Ji.

SEKHWAN GREETS PUNJABIS ON THE EVE OF PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 4: Punjab Public Relations Minister Mr Sewa Singh Sekhwan today greeted all the Punjabis on the eve of 344th birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji- the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.

In a message, Mr Sekhwan said that by creating Khalsa Panth in 1699, the great Guru inculcated the spirit of both saint and soldier in the hearts of his followers to fight tyranny in order to ensure justice and protection of Dharma.

Mr Sekhwan that the teachings of compassion, oneness of mankind and universal brotherhood as preached by the great Guru, are fully relevant in the present times. He appealed the people to celebrate this occasion unitedly, in the true spirit of Punjabiat.

PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER, IRRIGATION AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MINISTERS GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF BIRTHDAY OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Nirmal Singh Kalhon, Irrigation Minister S. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Technical Education Minister Punjab Ch.Swarna Ram today extended their greetings to the people on the birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji and exhorted them to follow the noble teachings of great Guru ji.

In a message on the birthday of the great Guru, They said that Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji preached and practiced the gospels of love, oneness of humankind and universal goodwill throughout his life. They also said that Guru ji raised a unifying vanguard force in the world ever ready to make supreme sacrifices for achieving the goals of justice, equality, social good and protection of fundamental rights of humanity.

They appealed the people to unitedly strive hard for carving out a healthy and harmonious society by following the precious legacy of Guru ji and celebrate this occasion rising above the petty considerations of caste, creed and religion.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today released the diary and calendar of the Punjab Government for the year 2010 at Punjab Bhawan this morning.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Information & Public Relations Mr. DS Guru, Additional Secretary to Chief Minister and Director Information & Public Relations Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.

Chandigarh December 3 – The State of New Mexico, the fifth largest constituent of the Unite States of America has offered to enter into an agreement with Punjab granting the status of “Sister State” . Punjab is the only state of the country to have received such an offer from any constituent state of the USA.

The offer was conveyed by the visiting Secretary of State of New Mexico , Mary Herrara, at a special function held in her honor here last night. Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, received the offer on behalf of the latter. Mr. Bains said that the offer would be considered by the Chief Minister next week and if needed, the matter would be pursued with the government of India through the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Ministry of External Affairs. Mr. Bains also accepted the invitation from the New Mexican Secretary of State to the Chief Minister, Mr. P S Badal and his Deputy Mr. S S Badal for taking part in functions in connection with the 400th Anniversary of the City of Santa Fe, the Capital City of New Mexico.

The Canadian delegation led by Ms. Mary Herrara comprised the Deputy State Treasurer Mr. Mark F. Valdes and the state counsel Mr. Pawan Dhindsa.

A large number of dignitaries and officials attended the function. Those present included the Minister for PWD Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Advopcate General Punjab, Mr. H.S. Mattewal, the BJP leader Mr. S S Grewal , the Punjab Housing and Urban Development Secretary and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Mr. T R Saranga, Mr. Vajralingham, the C A PUDA Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh and the SAS Nagar SSP , Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar .

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of State said that the New Mexican Government was in touch with the Government of India and would seek the facilitation of “a sister state” relationship between Punjab and her state. She said that arrangement, the first of its kind from any American state, would not only boost people to people interaction between Punjab and New Mexico but would also remove unnecessary hassles faced by Punjabis in securing a Vis for the USA. She said that her government would be looking forward to a fruitful relationship with the government and the people of Punjab , especially in the fields of tourism, cultural, social and economic exchanges. She said that there was a significant presence of the Punjabis in New Mexico and “ a large majority of them were engaged in highly lucrative business activities . This could be further enhanced. “

In his welcome address, the Punjab Minister for PWD, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhnidsa thanked Ms. May Herrara for her offer to Punjab and assured her that the Punjab government would look closely at the possibility of turning this proposal into a reality. “We will explore the possibility of agreeing into the is agreement after necessary consultations with the Government of India,” he said.

The Advocate General Punjab Mr. Hardev Singh Mattewal said that the Punjabis and New Mexicans could contribute immensely to the prosperity and development of their respective states through a creative synergy between the two governments. He said that Punjabis ahd a lot to contribute in terms of their fabled hard work and enterprise as well as through their rich cultural and religious heritage.

HOCKEY PUNJAB CRIES FOUL; NATIONAL BODY PLAYING HAVOC WITH PLAYERS’ FUTURE: SUKHBIR BADAL

Chandigarh, January 3– The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and president Hockey Punjab, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today alleged that Hockey India was holding the future of Punjab players to ransom by refusing to grant affiliation to a duly elected body to run the affairs of the game in the state. “This is a serious blow to the efforts for revival of the hockey glory in the country. There seems to be a calculated attempt to weaken the country’s hockey power-house, Punjab. Despite repeated verbal and written requests from the Hockey Punjab, Hockey India has refused to acknowledge the duly formed body, Hockey Punjab.”

Addressing a joint press conference at New Delhi with the President of the Punjab Olympic Association, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Badal described the ways of Hockey India, the national body governing the sport, as “strange and intriguing. This is a shocking case of callous treatment to the organization of the sport in a state which is not only the birth place of hockey but also has the proud distinction of giving over a dozen India captains and a vast galaxy of international starts like penalty-king Prithipal Singh, Balbir Singh (Junior and Senior), Ajit Pal Singh, Surjit Singh, Pargat Singh, Surinder Singh Sodhi ( India’s last Olympic Gold Medal-winning Captain, Mukhbain Singh, Harcharan Singh, Gagan Ajit Singh, Jugraj Singh and dozens of others,” said Mr. Badal and Mr. Dhindsa, adding that in the recently concluded Junior Asia Cup, nine Punjab players donned the India colours while six Punjab players are in the senior hockey squad.

Punjab has been promoting hockey in a big way. The national camp for the 1975 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, was conducted by Punjab government. The tea went on to win the Cup, India’s only title triumph in the event. Besides, Punjab has been requesting the Indian Hockey Federation from time to time to assign it the responsibility of training the Indian team for the World Cup, the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.

The attitude of the Hockey India to the grant of affiliation to its counterpart at the state level in Punjab is “inscrutable and a big blow to the promotion of the sport in the major hockey playing state, said Mr. Badal and Mr. Dhindsa. They said that Hockey Punjab had met all the requisite conditions and fulfilled all the formalities for affiliation, and followed the instructions given by the IOA through POA.

After receiving communications from the Indian Olympic Association through the Punjab Olympic Association, a meeting of the hockey associations working in Punjab, was convened and their authorized representatives/delegates under the supervision of the apex sports body of the state – the Punjab Olympic Association (POA), headed by former Union Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa – unanimously decided to merge and form a unified body named Hockey Punjab. This was done in pursuance of the policy laid down at the national level.

Subsequently, the POA granted affiliation to the newly constituted Hockey Punjab. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and International Hockey Federation (FIH) as well as the Union Ministry of Sports were informed about the decision and requested to implement the directions of the IOA to merge the hockey associations, both men and women, and form a unified body. Hockey India was then approached for grant of affiliation. But surprisingly, that affiliation has still not been granted and no reasons had been given for this.

This despite the fact that the formation of the Hockey Punjab is strictly in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the IOA. The IOA president Mr. Suresh Kalmadi in a communication dated June 1, 2009, to the presidents/secretaries of the state Olympic Associations, wrote “Hockey India shall work on the One Game-One Body principal and shall give recognition to one body in each state/union territories to control, manage and administer both men and women hockey. You are hereby advised to work in this direction and ensure affiliation/recognition of a single association in your state to look after the hockey activities for both men and women.”

Mr. Kalmadi informed the state Olympic Associations that the IOA general assembly in its meeting at Pune on October 10, 2008 had constituted a nine-member committee vested all powers of general body, to deal with issues related to hockey activities in India. As per the decision of the nine-member committee, the IHF and Indian Women Hockey Federation have been disaffiliated/derecognized and provisional affiliation was given to one association i.e Hockey India to look after the affairs of hockey in India for both men and women.

POA secretary general Raja K S Sidhu in a communication on August 24, 2009 to the presidents/secretaries of the Punjab Hockey Association, the Punjab Women Hockey Association and the Pepsu Hockey Association has decided to merge the three hockey associations in compliance with directions of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Indian Olympic Association and proposed to convene a meeting of the different state hockey associations on August 31, 2009 at Punjab Bhawan to be chaired by the POA president Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal was unanimously elected to head the new body (Hockey Punjab) on August 31, 2009. Mr. badal’s name was proposed by Dr Manmohan Singh, secretary, Patiala Union Hockey Association, while Mr. HS Dhillon, vice president of Punjab Hockey Association, seconded the proposal. The members also unanimously authorized Mr. Badal to nominate his office-bearers of Hockey Punjab. The new body was duly granted affiliation by the Punjab Olympic Association vide communication dated 3-11, 2009. The constitution of Hockey Punjab was approved and adopted. The Hockey Punjab constitution is on the guidelines and in consonance with the constitution of Hockey India.”

Chandigarh, January 3: With a view to seed and experience the joy of innovation among the students, the Punjab Education Department would select atleast five creative children for the "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research" (INSPIRE) Award . The award envisions an investment of Rs. 5000/- per child.

Disclosing this a spokesman of the department said that the objective of INSPIRE programme, initiated by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, was to communicate to the youth the excitements of creative pursuit of science, attract talent to the excitement to the study of science at an early stage. Besides, it would also help the country in building the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science & Technology system.

Adding further he said that the Punjab education department plans to offer this 'innovation awards' every year to five brilliant children who thinks outside the boundaries set by the school syllabus. The two students from each school in the age group of 10 to 17 years i.e. 6th to 8th class and 9th to 10th standard each would be identified for the INSPIRE Award in order to invigorate scientific thinking, he said.

"The scheme plans to reach approximately ten thousands students of about 5,000 Upper Primary schools in the state and the selected students would participate along with their scientific innovations at a state level science exhibition to be held during the 2nd week of April 2010", he added.

He further said that all the heads of government and affiliated schools from 6th to 10th standard, have been asked to submit the nominations of two best creative students till 10th January 2010 to their concerned DEOs without any delay.

He emphasised that knowledge and innovation have emerged out as the vital keys for competitiveness and wealth creation in the fast evolving global economy and INSPIRE would open up the prospects of careers in research. Besides, it would also strengthen the roots of the knowledge infrastructure of Indian economy, he added.

Major Employment Generation Initiative by Global Technical Leader, IBM in collaboration with Doaba Group of Colleges (DGC) was organized at Campus I, Village Ghataur, PO Allapur, Tehsil Kharar, Distt. Mohali (Punjab).

It is one and only one placement drive made by the world IT leader in Punjab. The job fest drew unprecedented response from the engineering graduates with over 7000 aspirants turning up for various post in the company. The job fest was inaugurated by S.Harcharan Singh Bains on behalf of theChief Minister Punjab, S.Parkash Singh Badal, Dy. Chief Minister, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, entire cabinet and Government of Punjab. The Chief Minister had sent his blessings for the placement of a large number of deserving, desiring and eligible engineering graduates. It was assured that drives like this will continue to absorb maximum number of eligible candidates

Speaking on the occasion, S. Harcharan Singh Bains, congratulated DGC for calling such a reputed company for placement, which he said is an honour. He extended blessings to Doaba Group of Colleges on behalf of Chief Minister, S. Parkash Singh Badal and Dy. Chief Minister, S.Sukhbir Singh Badal.

The recruitment process started with the preplacement talk followed by aptitude test, group discussion and final interviews. HR and technical rounds of interview. Mr.Maoj Srivastava on behalf of IBM said, that the company will be hiring students for the post of software trainees, web designer, business analyst, search engine optimizer and other technical jobs.

The vote of thanks was proposed by S. Jeet Singh, Chief Administrator, Doaba Group of Colleges.

BADAL CALLS ON PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER TO OFFER GREETINGS ON NEW YEAR

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on President of India Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice President Sh. M Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Mr.Manmohan Singh and greeted them wishing a very happy and prosperous New Year at New Delhi.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister‘s Office said that Mr. Badal also presented bouquets to the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister on the occasion. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr.K .Siva Parsad.

Chandigarh, January 1: The Punjab Director General of Police Mr. P.S. Gill today approved the names of 51 Police Officers/Officials for award of Director General Commendation Disc on the basis of their outstanding policing achievements and in recognition of their service to the public.

According to an official spokesman, the awardees include Mr. Jagdish Kumar, IPS, DIG Crime, Pb. Chandigarh; Mr. Rakesh Agrawal, IPS SSP Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Mr. Lakhwinder Singh PPS, SP/Hqrs Sangrur, Mr. Pritpal Singh Thind, PPS, DSP Sunam; Mr. Davinder Singh PPS, DSP/Rural Patiala; Inspr. Reshem Singh No. 288/PAP (RTC/PAP) TRC/PAP; Inspr Ram Lal No. 509/PAP Distt. Moga ; Inspr. (ORP) Balbir Singh No. 54/INT INT Wing; Inspr. (ROP) Harwinderpal Singh No. 1635/PAP INT wing; SI Karminder Singh No. 51/JR SSP Rupnagar; SI Baj Singh No.206/PAP RTC/PAP; SI Gurpreet Singh No. 5/PR DIG/LR/Ludhiana, SI Harjinder Singh No. 155/Khanna INT Wing, SI (LR) Angreg Singh No. 114/Jall. Distt Jaladhar, SI (LR) Bhagwant Singh No. 419/PR Distt. Sangrur; SI(LR) Avtar Singh No. 585/JR Distt. Jalandhar; ASI Puspa Devi No. 32/FGS Distt. Patiala; ASI Avtar Singh No. 891/GS, Distt. Gurdaspur; ASI Rajiv Kumar No. 1663/MJA Dy Supdt. of Police, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana; ASI (LR) Harpreet Singh No. 133/Ludhiana(R), Distt. Ludhiana Rural; ASI/LR Ashwani Kumar No. 786/FZR Distt. Ferozpur; LR/ASI Sukhpal Singh 18/SBSN DIG/JR/Jall, HC Jugal Kishore No. 82/114 Armed Bns.; HC Daljit Singh No. CTC/38 CTC BHG; HC Walati Ram 1535/LDH Ludhiana/Range; HC Bhupinder Singh 2642/LDH Ludhiana/Range; HC Kuldeep Singh 42/TTN O/o SSP/Ludhiana(R); HC Sukhwinder Singh 1st IRB/107 O/o SP/Excise/Comdt. 1st IRB, HC Surjit Singh 172/Jall, O/o SSP /Jalandhar, HC PP Gursewak Singh 2537/SGR Patiala/Zonal-1 Punjab, HC (LR) Varinder Singh No. 414/Sangrur Distt. Sangrur; HC (PR) Ramesh Kumar No. 1037/HPR Jalandhar/Range; HC/PP Jasvir Singh No. 1128/HPR Jalandha/Range, HC/PP Tilak Raj 2618/Jall O/o SSP /Jalandhar; C-II Bute Khan No. 1867/Sangrur, INT Wing; C-II Harjinder Singh 465/Ludhiana/R O/o SSP/Ludhiana(R); C-II Avtar Singh 770/Patiala, Patiala; Ct. Parshotam Singh 2519/LDH, Ludhiana/Range, CT Ramesh Kumar 271/1 Ludhiana/Range, Ct. Manga Masih 1217/Jall O/o SSP Jalandhar; Inspr (LR) Jaswinder Singh No. 528/PR, Jalandhar Zonal, SI Sohan Lal No. 800/PAP Armed Battalion Jalandhar, SI Karam Chand No. 34/PPA, PPA Phillaur, PPA Phillaur; ASI(ORP) Harbans Singh No. 324/Khanna, Prosecution & Summon Staff, Khanna Zonal Jalandhar; HC Jagmal Singh No. 13/05 Security Wing Punjab, Chandigarh; HC Tikka Ram No. 02/RTC, PRTC Jahan Khelan, Punjab Police Academy Phillaur, L/HC Usha Rani No. 99/PPA, PPA Phillaur, PPA Phillaur; SI/LR Sarabjit Singh No. 166/PR,O/o SSP/Rupnagar; SI Shahbaz Singh No. 402/PR, O/o SSP/Rupnagar; ASI Subhash Chand 829/R O/o SSP/Rupnagar; HC Bahadur Singh 1596/R, O/o SSP/Rupnagar.

The above mentioned awardees would get elliptical shaped disc made of bronze in golden colour with commendation disc embossed on the obverse, with Punjab Police monogram in the centre.

It may be added that the DGP Mr. P.S.Gill had in September, 2009 introduced Commendation Disc for Police Officer/Officials for outstanding Policing achievements/practices in the areas of Anti terrorist operations, outstanding investigation and prosecution, community policing, road safety, checking drug abuse and smuggling, implementation of modern IT tools, best practices in police office management, police welfare, best Police Station etc., to boost their morale.

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi Season through Canal water from 03-01-2010 to 10-01-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder, respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' respectively.

The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A' being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in Group 'B'.

The spokesman also said that the Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the channels of first Preference would run to their indent and balance water would be supplies water available in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch, Lower Sabraon Branch, with their distributaries respectively.